‘Economic hitman’ crafted anti-people budget: Omar Ayub

ISLAMABAD: Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub has criticized the budget for the financial year 2024-25, alleging it was crafted by an “economic hitman” against the interests of Pakistan and its people.

Speaking during a National Assembly session, Ayub stated that “this budget is an illegal document, as the required finance bill and supporting documents were not presented alongside the finance minister’s speech.”

He highlighted that investors avoid investing in countries lacking the rule of law, pointing to “historically low investment during the current government’s tenure.”

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He held the government responsible of rising unemployment, inflation, and reducing per capita income, stating this budget would destabilise the country.

Criticizing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other ministers such as Ahsan Iqbal, Ayub argued that corruption and mismanagement deter investment.

He labeled the budget as a “fraudulent document” and “economic terrorism,” asserting that it amounts to robbery from the Pakistani people.

He reminisced about the previous government, led by PTI, which he claimed had improved the economy under challenging conditions.

The government is now entering a second program with the IMF. I personally know Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb; he is an honourable person, but his wings have been clipped.

Omar Ayub said, “It is an honour for me that I have also presented budgets in this house. We were unable to run an election campaign, but despite that, we succeeded. Our election symbol was taken away, and different symbols were allotted. Voters found our election symbol and voted for us. Numerous false FIRs were registered against us, and even today, we are facing false cases. We have reached the National Assembly today because of the former PTI chairman.”

He further stated, “The former PTI chairman had raised the economy during his tenure under difficult circumstances. The economy was derailed through the “London Plan”.”